Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?

Understanding tooth enamel and acidity

Tooth enamel is the hard, protective layer on the outside of your teeth. It’s made mostly of minerals, and it’s there to shield your teeth from daily wear – chewing, brushing, and yes, even fizzy drinks.

Enamel is tough (harder than bone, in fact), but it’s not invincible. When your mouth becomes too acidic, your enamel can start to soften. And if that happens too often, it can wear away over time. This is called enamel erosion, and once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back.

That’s why drinks with a lower pH, like juice, soft drinks and even sparkling water, can raise questions about dental health.

But not all acidic drinks are equally harmful. The key is understanding where sparkling water sits on the scale – and how to enjoy it without putting your enamel at risk.

Let’s take a look at the numbers.

The pH scale and sparkling water

So, where does sparkling water actually sit on the pH scale?

The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 considered neutral. Plain water is around 7. Sparkling water, on the other hand, usually sits around 4. That’s mildly acidic. Here’s how it compares to other everyday drinks.

As you can see, plain sparkling water is far less acidic than soft drinks or juice – and contains no added sugar, which makes a big difference for your teeth.

It’s interesting that how you drink and how often can have a bigger impact than the pH itself. Let’s see what the experts say about that.

What do dental experts say – is sparkling water bad for your teeth?

This question comes up a lot in dental clinics, and the answer is reassuring. According to the Australian Dental Association, plain sparkling water is a much better choice than sugary drinks and soft drinks. It’s mildly acidic, but without sugar or additives, the risk to your teeth is low. 

Colgate’s dental experts agree: the key isn’t just what you drink, but how you drink it. 

Sipping sparkling water slowly throughout the day gives your enamel less time to recover. But drinking it with meals, rinsing with still water afterwards, and waiting before brushing? That’s a different story.

So, no, plain sparkling water is not bad for your teeth. It’s generally considered safe – especially when consumed mindfully.

Plain vs flavoured sparkling water

Not all sparkling waters have the same effect on your teeth. If you’re drinking plain, unflavoured sparkling water, the risk to your teeth is quite low. But flavoured sparkling waters are a different story.

Many of them contain citric acid, fruit flavourings, or added preservatives, which make them more acidic than plain varieties – sometimes down to a pH of 2.5. Some also include sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can change the way plaque forms on your teeth and increase the risk of enamel erosion.

That doesn’t mean you need to cut them out completely. It just means being a little more mindful. Enjoy it with a meal rather than alone, don’t sip it over long periods and wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth.

Plain sparkling water remains the better option for your teeth. And you can do four simple things to protect them while you drink.

Best practices to protect your teeth

Good news: if you love sparkling water, there’s no need to give it up. With a few simple habits, you can enjoy the fizz and protect your enamel at the same time.

• Drink sparkling water with meals. Saliva production increases while you eat, helping neutralise acid and protect enamel.

• Don’t sip it slowly all day. Prolonged exposure keeps your teeth in an acidic environment for longer than necessary.

• Rinse with still water afterwards. A quick rinse helps restore a neutral pH in your mouth.

• Wait before brushing your teeth. Brushing too soon (while enamel is softened) can cause more wear. Wait at least 30 minutes.
  

These are small changes, but they make a real difference. And when you’re drinking sparkling water daily, your teeth will thank you. 

While we’re asking if carbonated water is bad for your teeth, there’s one more thing to think about: does it have fluoride in it?

The Zip Water difference

You want sparkling water that’s refreshing, easy, and better for your health – we make that effortless. With a Zip HydroTap, you get filtered sparkling water on demand, straight from your kitchen tap. That means:

• No added flavourings or preservatives

• No guessing what’s in your glass

• Just chilled, perfectly carbonated water – ready when you are

It’s also filtered using Zip’s MicroPurity filtration system, which reduces chlorine, sediment, lead, microplastics and PFAS* in the water, so you get a cleaner, crisper taste without the worry. And because it’s coming straight from your kitchen tap, there are no single-use bottles or mystery ingredients. 

Do you need still chilled or boiling water too? That’s all in the same beautifully designed tap. Curious? Explore the Zip HydroTap range, or read more about the benefits of sparkling water and how it compares to soda water.

A HydroTap is sparkling water, done smarter – so you can enjoy the fizz without the fuss.